City & Government

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and America’s State Parks are inviting everyone to start the new year off enjoying time spent in nature, and tapping into the health benefits of being outdoors by joining a #FirstDayHike at Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. To make it easy, state parks from Maine to California – are offering free First Day Hikes on January 1. The guided hikes are led by park staff members and volunteers who have expert knowledge of their respective locales.
What: First Day Hike 2023
When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: Fort Wetherill State Park, 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown
Divisions of the DEM Natural Resources Bureau will be on hand offering information about agency programs and services. Leashed dogs are allowed if the leash is no longer than six feet. A local historian will be on site offering education about Fort Wetherill. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. The 1.2-mile walk is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. The walk will be held rain or shine, so DEM encourages participants to dress accordingly. The main entrance will be closed to vehicle traffic during the hike. Participants are encouraged to park alongside the south side of Fort Wetherill Road.
Fort Wetherill State Park, situated upon 100-foot-high granite cliffs across the water from Fort Adams State Park, is a former coastal defense battery and training camp. Known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill has been a popular sight for viewing the numerous Tall Ship Events and America’s Cup Races. This walk is part of DEM’s Strategic Mission to promote and increase outdoor recreation in Rhode Island and is the seventh such event DEM has hosted. For more information on the First Day Hike, please visit the RI Parks website. For information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
The National Association of State Park Directors promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 6,800 park areas and visitation of 813 million people annually, the economic impact to local communities is estimated to exceed $20 billion each year. America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI –The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is again partnering with the Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) on a habitat restoration program called ‘Trees for Trout’, which collects donated conifer Christmas trees for future projects that improve habitat for wild brook trout and other aquatic organisms. The public is invited to drop off their Christmas tree at a collection event after the New Year.
What: ‘Trees for Trout’ Christmas tree collection
When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Arcadia Check Station, Wood River Arcadia Management Area, 2224 Ten Rod Rd, Exeter
Only drop off real trees, not fake ones or trees sprayed with fire-retardant chemicals. All decorations and lights, as well as the stand, must be removed before the tree is brought in.
The ‘Trees for Trout’ collection event was started by TU in 2018 to assist in restoration projects to fish habitats in the flowing freshwaters of Rhode Island. The trees are stored outside until the following summer, when they are used by DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) staff, along with volunteers from TU, to build “conifer revetments” where trees are strategically placed along riverbanks to provide stability and control erosion. The trees will trap sediment, decompose, and gradually become part of the banks themselves. The tree branches along the edges of the water will also offer protection for small native brook trout and other aquatic animals seeking a place to hide from predators.
Rivers are dynamic and constantly changing. In impaired stretches of rivers, channels often become wider than they should be and are absent of necessary habitat to support aquatic life. When banks erode, sediment is carried away by flows that fill in pools downstream. Conifer revetments act to stabilize eroding banks by slowing the flow of water and accumulating sediments. They also help narrow the river channel and confine the flow so that there is deeper water during low flows and more habitat for fish.
The ‘Trees for Trout’ program provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn about river health, water quality, and habitat for aquatic species. The public should never dispose of Christmas trees in waterways or beaches. A considerable amount of planning goes into deciding where and how to construct these features. Also, permitting is legally required to modify any waterway under the Freshwater Wetlands Act. For help with proper disposal, visit: atoz.rirrc.org/items/real-christmas-trees. Follow DFW’s Outdoor Education page on Facebook to keep informed with project updates.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @RI.FishandWildlife) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Whether you’re ready to bundle up and get outside or cozy up on the couch and tune in virtually, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has another season of great winter programs scheduled to connect Rhode Islanders with our state’s beautiful natural resources. From fishing days and fly tying to hunter education classes, guided walks, and virtual programs, there’s something for everyone.
DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education, Hunter Education, Wildlife Outreach, and Volunteer programs have planned a packed schedule with plenty of opportunities to learn about Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife resources or to try out a new outdoor skill. Most of the programs being offered this winter are free of charge and family-friendly.
The programs are as follows:
Aquatic Resource Education Programs
Introduction to Freshwater Fishing, Fly Tying, and Casting Lesson (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
From lures, to flies, tackle, storage, safety, types of rods, and more, learn all the basics to become a successful angler. This comprehensive presentation will be instructed by one of RIDEM’s angler instructors and includes casting lessons and fly tying.
Date: Thursday, March 21
Time: Two sessions to choose from: 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM (3-hour sessions)
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free
Hunter Education Programs
Hunter Education (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This in-person class is required to become certified to hunt with firearms in the State of Rhode Island. Open to participants from all states, this course provides a foundation for firearm safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A 100-question test will be administered at the end of day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states.
Dates: Saturday-Sunday Jan. 14-15 (must attend both sessions)
Time: 9 AM-3 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration is required to be admitted. Register here.
Cost: Free
Land Navigation (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This two-day course will begin with classroom learning on the topics of maps and compass, how to find a bearing and follow it. Day two will consist of using your newfound skills to solve field problems and navigate through the woods of Arcadia Management Area. Terrain will be moderate to difficult at times, appropriate hiking gear for the forecasted weather will be necessary to be successful.
Date: Friday-Saturday, Feb. 18-19 (must attend both sessions)
Time: 9 AM-5 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Bowhunter Education (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
This in-person class is required to become certified to hunt with archery in the State of Rhode Island. Open to participants from all states, this course provides a foundation for archery safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A state written exam will be administered at the end of class on day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states.
Dates: Saturday, March 11
Time: 9 AM- 3 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration is required to be admitted. Register here.
Cost: Free
Fur Trapper Course
This seven-hour course will cover various aspects of trapping, including the history of trapping, conservation and trapping regulations, the biology of different target species in RI, best management practices in the field, and types of traps. There will also be a hands-on demonstration on how to set traps, as well as uses for the animal and how to treat and tan hides.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 26
Time: 9 AM-4 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Email branton.elleman.ctr@dem.ri.gov
Cost: Free
Junior Hunter Education Certification Class (Ages 12+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 17)
Junior Hunter Education is for ages 17 and under, with lots of hands-on activities, visual aids, and easy to understand lessons. This is the certification class that you need if you plan to hunt with firearms in the State of Rhode Island. Open to juniors from all states, this course will provide you with a foundation for firearm safety, basic hunting techniques, basic survival and first-aid, ethics, conservation, and more. A state written exam will be administered at the end of class on day two. This national curriculum has reciprocity with all 50 states. Please note: Course content and state exam is written to a sixth grade reading level and you must be at least 12 years old to obtain a RI hunting license.
Date: Saturday, March 18
Time: 9 AM-6 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Learn to Hunt (Ages 10+, parent or guardian required to be in attendance for participants under 18)
Participate in all the hands-on activities that are a part of the Hunter Education Certification program. Instructors will cover general safety, safe firearm handling, tree stands, ground blinds, basic hunting techniques, wilderness first-aid, and land navigation.
Dates: Saturday, March 25
Time: 5-9 PM
Location: DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register here.
Cost: Free
Wildlife Outreach Programs
Wildlife Solutions: Nocturnal Nuisances (Adults)
Nocturnal mammals, like coyotes, foxes, and fishers, are greatly misunderstood; most of their fear-instilling actions are simply a part of their life history and survival strategies. Still, these critters can become a nuisance, especially when they begin to den under decks and dine out of chicken coops. Learning why these creatures behave the way they do is the key to finding resolution. This session will help you identify what attracts these animals to your yard, and how to make your property less hospitable. Learn about the discoveries made by the Narragansett Bay Coyote Study and see what we have already learned through the collaborative Fisher Project with URI. This will be a hybrid virtual program in partnership with Louttit Library.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 31
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Hybrid- in- in person at Louttit Library, 274 Victory Highway, West Greenwich or via Zoom
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free?
Come Birding with Me! (Families)
Are you looking for a fun February vacation activity? Join us for a family-friendly birdwatching adventure on the shoreline this winter! Learn about the beautiful migratory birds that spend their winter along RI’s coastline each year and how DFW and our research partners are studying their populations. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to borrow so that everyone can get a closer look at these unique birds!
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 12
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: East Bay Bike Path (Watchemoket Cove), East Providence
Registration: All ages are welcome to attend this FREE program, but registration is required to receive a Zoom link. Register here.
Cost: Free
Come Birding with Me! (Adults)
Join us for a birdwatching adventure on the shoreline this winter! Learn about the beautiful migratory birds that spend their winter along RI’s coastline each year and how DFW and our research partners are studying their populations. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be available to borrow so that everyone can get a closer look at these unique birds!
Date: Saturday, Feb. 25
Time: 10-11:30 AM
Location: Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free
Volunteer Programs
Rhode Island Bumblebee Survey
DFW is looking for volunteers to conduct bee surveys for the 2023 Rhode Island Bumblebee Survey (RIBS) season! If you enjoy spending time outdoors, are curious for plants and insects, and would like to help Rhode Island biologists learn more about these fuzzy pollinators in our state, this program is for you.
Date: Spring 2023
Registration: Register here.
Cost: Free?
Annual Herring Count Surveys (All ages)
DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is always looking for new volunteers for our long-standing herring count survey. Volunteers count herring for 10-minute intervals at select sites across the state as these interesting fish complete their annual spring migration upstream. This is an excellent opportunity for families with children! Sign-up information will be available in March.
Date: March 2023
Registration: Subscribe to our monthly email list for sign up information. Register here.
Cost: Free?
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow us on Facebook and Fish and Wildlife, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @RI.FishandWildlife) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement wishing Rhode Islanders a merry Christmas:
“The Christmas season is one of the most joyous times of year, when families, friends, and loved ones across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns come together to celebrate, cherish longstanding traditions or create new memories, and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Christmas is a time of togetherness and celebration, as well as an opportunity for renewed hope and optimism for the new year ahead.
On behalf of our state, I would like to particularly thank our dedicated service members – both those serving abroad and here in the Ocean State – for their bravery, courage, and sacrifice each and every day, ensuring that we as Rhode Islanders are able to enjoy the company of loved ones this Christmas.
To all who celebrate, Susan and I wish you a very merry Christmas and happy holidays.”
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PROVIDENCE, RI –The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today that public participation at the two farmers’ markets it runs increased by nearly 17% in 2022 over 2021. Over the year, total attendance went from a combined 29,634 customers to 34,546 customers at the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground market in Narragansett and the Goddard Memorial State Park market in Warwick. An average of 1,327 customers and 24 vendors a week participated at the Fishermen’s Memorial market, while 721 customers and 24 vendors participated in the weekly markets at Goddard. In all, there were 26 farming vendors, 12 food vendors (baked goods and prepared meals), and 11 specialty businesses (skin products, dog treats, etc.) at the markets in 2022, according to the DEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment. The 2022 attendance number is the highest since DEM began tracking it in 2019.
“You can’t have farmers’ markets without farmers and DEM would like to thank all the Rhode Island farmers, along with food producers, bakers, and artisanal specialty businesses, that participate,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Connecting rural to urban, farmer to consumer, and fresh ingredients to our diets, farmers’ markets fill an important economic and community niche in our food system. I’m glad to recognize the DEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and particularly Jack Sisson, Ananda Fraser, Chris Rueckel, and Jordynn Cahoon for their effectiveness and enthusiasm in leading our farmers’ market program.”
When food is produced, processed, distributed, and sold all within the same region, more money stays in the local economy. This leads to economic development and job creation. Farmers’ markets provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products, and they help meet the growing demand for locally produced food. Being able to quickly and directly market to the consumer gives farmers important income opportunities without the added costs of shipping, storage, and inventory control. Farmers’ markets also strengthen food security by making make fresh, nutritious, affordable food more accessible to more community members.
As is the case in many states across the country, DEM’s farmers’ markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits. By accepting SNAP benefits, farmers’ markets are providing access to a wide variety of fresh, healthy products. Through a partnership with Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the DEM farmers’ markets can provide a 100% matching bonus on SNAP purchases. This means for every SNAP dollar spent, shoppers get $1 free in Bonus Bucks to spend on fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from local farms. The DEM markets saw a 55% increase in electronic benefit transfer (EBT) sales in 2022 versus 2021.
For a list of farmers’ markets operating throughout the state, visit the RI Grown website. Launched in 2009 with the statewide “Get Fresh, Buy Local” marketing campaign, this program aims to help growers distinguish their locally grown products. Use of the RI Grown logo seeks to heighten recognition and highlight Rhode Island-grown products to both consumers and wholesale buyers. DEM encourages growers to use the logo to distinguish their products. For farms that participate in the program, DEM offers a range of promotional materials and a listing on an interactive farm map.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.